Glistening metropolises of neon lights, tropical beaches to the south, breathtaking snow capped mountains to the north, with countless adventures and experiences to undertake in between; there are endless ways to discover Japan. ‘The land of the rising Sun’, Japan is a sovereign island country in East Asia, which is fast making progress on world tourism map, ensuring to find a spot on every discerning travellers’ bucket list. So have you planned your travel itinerary to Japan yet? If not, let us help you do it.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Japan lies off the eastern coast of the Asian mainland and stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and China in the southwest, with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples.
On the surface, Japan appears exceedingly modern, but travelling around it offers numerous opportunities to connect with the country’s traditional culture. Spend the night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), sleeping on futons and tatami mats, and padding through well-worn wooden halls to the bathhouse (or go one step further and sleep in an old farmhouse). Chant with monks or learn how to whisk bitter matcha (powdered green tea) into froth. From the splendour of a Kyoto geisha dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden, Japan has the power to enthral even the most jaded traveller.
The neon-lit streetscapes of Japan’s cities look like sci-fi film sets, even though many of them are decades old. Meanwhile, cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have been adding new architectural wonders that redefine what buildings – and cities – should look like. There’s an indelible buzz to these urban centres, with their vibrant street life, 24-hour drinking and dining scenes, and creative hubs that turn out fashion and pop culture trends consumed the world over. Travel is always smooth and efficient, whether you’re using the subway to get around or the shinkansen (bullet trains) to go from one city to the next.
TOKYO
Fusing the futuristic with the traditional, Tokyo is a sprawling megacity bursting with a seemingly limitless number of things to do. A business and cultural mega centre that’s home to tens of millions of people, Tokyo is also the crossroads where the Japanese interact with citizens from all over the world. The media love to focus on Harajuku’s vibrant fashion, robot restaurants, maid cafes and the passionate uber fans known as otaku. As fast-paced as Tokyo’s innovation is, the metropolis is just as devoted to preserving tradition through its historical gardens, shrines and temples.
Known for its extreme attention to detail, Japan’s capital is home to some of the best Japanese food in the country, with 234 Michelin-starred restaurants—more than any other city. Whatever your cultural interests are, Tokyo is likely to have you covered. Home to many world-class art galleries and museums, staggeringly diverse nightlife options and cutting-edge technology, you’ll never be stuck for things to do or places to go in Tokyo.
Don’t Miss
- Exploring Tokyo’s dizzying array of restaurant and dining options, from theme cafes to haute cuisine
- Checking out the latest electronics and gadgets at Akihabara, and Japan’s anime culture while you’re at it
- Experiencing vibrant youth culture in Harajuku and Shibuya, the fashion capitals of Tokyo
- Visiting Tokyo’ s most famous temple, Sensoji, before ferrying down the Sumida River and learning the role the city’s waterways played in Edo-era Tokyo
OSAKA
Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife—with some history and culture peeking through. Osaka is only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan’s capital city. Hop off the bullet train into an area of exciting nightlife, delicious food and straight-talking, friendly locals. Along with plenty of shopping and modern attractions, Osaka also has a historical side, the highlight of which is Osaka Castle. The castle is a great place to discover more about Japanese history and to wander the beautiful grounds, especially during cherry blossom season in April when the sakura blooms and the weather is often at its best.
Don’t Miss
- The neon lights of Dotombori Bridge and Osaka’s Minami area
- Exploring Osaka Castle Park and Expo Memorial Park, the site of Expo ’70
- Partaking in major seasonal festivals including Tenjin Matsuri, Kishiwada Danjiri and Ebessan
- Indulging in famous culinary delights, particularly in neighbourhoods such as Tenma and Ura Namba
NIKKO
Where magnificent architecture, deep history and untouched nature merge – that’s Nikko for you. Nikko’s beautiful setting and sacred mountains have been the backdrop of Shinto and Buddhist worship since at least the 8th century. Its most famous shrines and temples, among the most magnificent in Japan, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding national park is a destination for hikers of all levels.
Don’t Miss
- Taking in Nikko’s World Heritage architecture
- Crossing into the Futarasan Shrine grounds at Shinkyo Bridge
- Hiking Nikko’s sacred surroundings
KYOTO
Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and charm of rural Japan. Kyoto City attracts millions of local and international visitors each year looking for traditional Japanese culture. Temples and shrines such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji draw lots of attention from visitors, as do the bamboo groves of nearby Arashiyama. Stay in a traditional ryokan, take a dip in a rejuvenating onsen, and enjoy the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms and brilliant autumn foliage. Kyoto’s magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. Beyond the city lie Kyoto Prefecture’s many attractive rural areas. In the north, Amanohashidate has long been considered one of Japan’s three most scenic places. Nestled in the mountains, Miyama is one of the last towns with thatched-roof farmhouses, many of which are still inhabited. Enjoy delicious local vegetables and the famous green tea grown in Uji.
Don’t Miss
- Grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in Kyoto City and around
- Sumptuous multi-course kaiseki cuisine and refined traditional ryokan accommodations
- White-sand beaches and mineral-rich hot springs on the Tango Peninsula
- One of Japan’s three great views at Amanohashidate
HOKKAIDO
The wilderness of Hokkaido provides numerous outdoor pursuits, and its cities, nestled against the backdrop of mountains and lakes, provide culinary delights and a dose of culture. Hokkaido offers many things to do throughout the year. The mild weather in summer is great for exploring the green hills and national parks. Visit the lakes, rivers and mountains for hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and rafting. See animals and birds in their natural habitats and bathe in volcanic waters with picturesque backdrops. In winter you can enjoy world-class skiing at the many resorts on the island. Alternative winter sports, like snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling, are also available and you can attend one of the grandest festivals in Japan—the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Don’t Miss
- Hitting the slopes of Niseko and Rusutsu—a dream for powder lovers
- The rolling hills of Hokkaido’s lavender farms
- Fresh seafood and produce: sea urchin, sushi, melon, corn, ice cream, and more
- The unspoiled wilderness of Hokkaido’s national parks
OKINAWA
Discover a distinct island culture born of subtropical sun, white sand, mangrove jungles and the age of the Ryukyu Kings. Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa is a chain of islands with its own history as an independent kingdom and a distinctly subtropical climate, as well as the birthplace of karate. Explore the ruins and restored castles of the Ryukyu kings, and visit magnificent beaches and coastlines with an amazing array of coral and undersea life. Come for whale watching and dragon boat races, rare flora and fauna, and an island mindset that makes you forget the clock and follow the sun.
Don’t Miss
- UNESCO World Heritage sites on the main island, including Shuri Castle and the ruins of Tamagusuku
- Whale sharks and the fascinating, diverse sea life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Relaxing on white sand beaches and swimming in clear blue ocean waters
- Kayaking through a mangrove jungle on remote Iriomote Island
